On liberty and independence

On this Independence Day weekend, I'm reflecting on the brave men who, in 1776, stood up to authority of the King of England and declared their (our) independence, beginning to craft a new nation founded on principles of liberty and justice for all.

Last week, our highest court ruled on a case that helped further define these principles. And a great deal of discourse and opinion has followed, with people from all parts of the social, political and religious spectra freely expressing their views. Without fear of governmental retribution for doing so.

It's been a while since I've felt real pride at being an American; at what this nation stands for. This week, that pride has been restored a bit.

On tha fateful day 239 years ago, these words were published for the world to see. They were painstakingly crafted by Thomas Jefferson , John Adams, Ben Franklin and 53 others to show what we as a nation would come to stand for. Great men, made great by the circumstances of their time.

The declaration reads, in part,

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.–That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed …

Full text of the Declaration of Independence is available here, and well worth the few minutes it takes to read.

Here's wishing you a terrific 4th of July.